* The size and weight of the wagon: A small, lightly loaded wagon might be pulled by just one or two oxen. A large, heavily loaded wagon could require a team of 8 to 12 oxen.
* The terrain: Rough terrain or steep hills needed more pulling power, so larger teams were necessary.
* The purpose: Oxen were used for various tasks. Teams of six to eight oxen were common for plowing, while smaller teams might be sufficient for hauling goods over short distances.
* The era and location: Oxen were used for transport and work for centuries, and practices varied between different regions and time periods.
In general, teams of four to six oxen were quite common for most wagon-pulling tasks.